Maximizing Plant Growth in Domes: A Critical Analysis of Arxiv Study

[wolram]

http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/0712/0712.3935.pdf

Scroll to page 14 or so to miss the general talk, i am asking about the viability of the dome, i am not sure the structure would be as robust as the paper states.

 

[FredGarvin]

I didn't read through the whole thing, but the first thing I thought was that .3 mm thickness is pretty thin to be able to withstand just its own weight when stretched over large areas. They never say what material this film would be made from. I do get a kick out of reading papers that, essentially, say that we only need three things to get this to work. Those three things are not in existence or are even feasible. That being said, there are a lot of new buildings being made from tent like materials. Denver's airport being the first major one.

 

[ravenprp]

After reading the paper, it is clear that the authors have put a lot of effort into researching and analyzing the potential benefits of using domes for maximizing plant growth. However, upon closer examination, there are some concerns that must be addressed in order to truly assess the viability of this concept.

One of the main concerns is the structural integrity of the dome itself. While the paper mentions using a geodesic dome design, which is known for its strength and stability, there is no mention of the materials that would be used to construct the dome. This is a crucial factor in determining the overall robustness and durability of the structure. Additionally, the paper does not address potential challenges or limitations in constructing and maintaining such a dome, which could significantly impact its practicality.

Another concern is the cost of constructing and maintaining these domes. The paper briefly mentions the use of renewable energy and recycled materials, but it does not provide a detailed cost analysis. It is important to consider the financial feasibility of this concept, as it may not be a viable option for all communities or individuals.

Furthermore, the paper focuses primarily on the benefits of using domes for plant growth, but it does not address potential drawbacks or limitations. For example, the enclosed environment of a dome may lead to higher humidity levels, which could increase the risk of plant diseases and pests. This could potentially negate the benefits of increased plant growth.

In conclusion, while the idea of using domes to maximize plant growth is intriguing, there are several concerns that must be addressed before it can be deemed a viable option. Further research and analysis are needed to fully evaluate the structural integrity, cost, and potential drawbacks of this concept. It is important to consider all factors and potential challenges before implementing such a system.